The Accomplice by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson with Aaron Philip Clark

Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars 

Pages: 272 pages
Published: September 2024

I'm not sure where I first heard about The Accomplice by rapper 50 Cent, but curiosity got the best of me and I picked up a copy from my local bookstore. I enjoy action-packed movies, and this one was set in Texas making it familiar. I thought this book might have a little bit of action and a lot of the Lone Star State, and I was not mistaken. I also know the author has built a bit of an empire with his TV shows on the Starz network, so I had high hopes of the entertainment value this book might provide. 

This gritty, graphic, thriller follows a cast of nefarious characters that are all intertwined in a world of crime. The main antagonist, Desmond Bell, is a bank robber of a different kind. He doesn't steal money but rather items and secrets that would, if exposed, damage the reputation of his victims. Nia Adams, who is the first Black female Texas Ranger serves as the protagonist and the two play a fast-paced game of cat and mouse to the bitter end in this story. 

I found the writing to be rather engaging as I could definitely envision what was being described; however, it was a little too graphic for my liking. I do wonder how much of the book Jackson wrote because I think the lion's share of the story lay with his co-author, Aaron Philip Clark. Having said that, I did enjoy the story, and the ending wasn't so much a conclusion as it left the door open for a second book. I also have heard the book will become a TV series starring Taraji P. Henson. And I think this is where we'll see Jackson shine. 

Recommendation: This was a short, fast-paced crime fiction novel that served its purpose. I don't know that I'll continue reading the series if more books follow, but I can appreciate what the author was trying to do. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Sisters with a Side of Greens by Michelle Stimpson

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 12:38:00
Published: March 2024

I learned about Sisters with a Side of Greens from one of my book community groups on Facebook, and I am so thankful I did. After listening to the audiobook I borrowed from my local library, I already know I would appreciate reading more by Michelle Stimpson who has a knack for women's fiction that speaks to women in general and African American women specifically. This story is about ... you guessed it ... two estranged sisters who are struggling to find forgiveness with each other and more forward to their third act in life. 

Rose, who has recently retired from the U.S. Post Office plans to complete her unfilled dream of starting a restaurant using her mother's secret seasoning to pave her way to success. Her sister, Marvina, is living in east Texas and much of her identity is wrapped up in serving her community and church. However, Rose needs Marvina's cooperation and financial help to get her restaurant started. Marvina's primary church outreach service is coming to an end, and she needs to find a new life purpose. The sisters are both strong-willed and opinionated, and the author takes us on their journey of discovering what's happened in the past, what's next, and their love for each other again. 

I truly enjoyed this story, and it was a bonus that it was set in Texas, so there were familiar points of reference in the novel. Stimpson has created realistic characters, a memorable story, and an entertaining read that kept me company for a couple of days on my commute to work. I can't wait to read what she writes next. 

Recommendation: I am thankful for this recommendation I got through Facebook. As a reader, a foodie, and a sister, I found the story quite relatable and very enjoyable. I strongly recommend this book. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Duration: 06:42:00
Published: October 2020

Alright, alright, alright ... let me tell you all about Matthew McConaughey's memoir, Greenlights. Full disclosure - he is one of my favorite actors, and I admire his public persona and the causes he supports. I had this book on my TBR literally since it was published, and this year I am listening to my fair share of audiobooks so I snagged a copy from Audible, and it did not disappoint. 

The book is read by McConaughey, only as he can. He is, after all an actor. He makes his stories come to life just like he does on the big (and small) screen. Throughout the telling of his life, he shares what he labels as "green lights".  And while I may not have agreed with all of his conclusions, I appreciated the creativity in which these were shared. The author provides many back stories to some of his famous films like how unlikely it was for him to get cast as the lead in A Time to Kill, how Dallas Buyers Club almost didn't get made and how "alright, alright, alright" were the first words that launched his career. McConaughey does a great job reflecting back and looking forward.

My only criticism is the varying volume levels. I found that sometimes he was yelling rather than acting and it became distracting. Additionally, I think this is part of his true character; however, personally, I didn't care for all the very colorful language. I don't think it really added to the stories he shared. 

Recommendation: In summary, McConaughey has taken his passion, acting, and made a successful career of it, but more importantly he has made a well-rounded life for himself and his family. This book is another feather in his cap. I found it to be spiritual, thoughtful and methodical. At just under seven hours, it's a quick listen that provides private depth and knowledge to an otherwise very public person. I would recommend this for mature, adult listening and reading. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 464 pages
Published: February 2021

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah won Book of the Month’s book of the year for 2021, and I totally understand why. Unlike, The Love of my Life, this cover did not draw me in. Additionally, the synopsis did not seem like something I would enjoy reading, even though I do enjoy historical fiction. However, as I have learned first impressions can be deceiving. This book is currently one of my top 3 reads of 2022, and I’m so glad I selected it as my free book as part of Book of the Month’s BFF program. 

The story is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression in Texas and centers around Elsa, who at a young age got herself “into some trouble, in the family way.” Ultimately, she finds herself in a loveless marriage with two children and in-laws that have become her only family after her blood relatives disowned her. After suffering through the Dust Bowl, Elsa’s husband abandons his family. Elsa tries to maintain for a time but realizes she must attempt to travel west to the land of milk and honey to make a better life for her family. The remaining two-thirds of the book are about her survival as a single woman on the road to attain the American Dream by traveling west. 

This is the first book I’ve read by Hannah. Her writing is wonderful. She definitely has a gift for describing scenes in such a way that you feel as though you’re right there in that time period and in that emotion. If you read to escape your current reality, Hannah offers you that escape. The story is exceptional, and the characters are well developed and stayed with me long after I read the final page. 

Recommendation: The Four Winds is a must read for anyone, but especially for lovers of historical fiction. I highly recommend it!

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 384 pages
Published: October 2021

As the Wicked Watch is the first in a series about an investigative journalist with detective instincts and a debut mystery by TV host and journalist Tamron Hall. This book was all abuzz in my reading circles, so I grabbed a copy and read it over a nice beach vacay in Belize this January. The story centers around journalist Jordan Manning who, in covering the news story of a recent murder of a 15-year old girl, gets really close to the case often putting herself in harm's way of not only getting the story but also helping solve the crime. 

Overall, the crime and subsequent mystery flows like similar detective/journalist books or even Lifetime movies. Hall provides a lot of detail and character development. Although, I might argue at times, it seems like a little too much, which slowed the pace. I do think this book could have been about 75 pages shorter, but it was still pretty easy to follow. There was enough intrigue to keep me invested plus I intended to participate in book club discussion. 

I think this is a decent debut for Hall, and I think with time her writing will sharpen. I can't say if I could commit to reading all of the books in this series, but it wasn't a bad read - especially with an ocean view as a backdrop! 

Recommendation: Fans of Tamron Hall will want to read this book. I do not think they will be disappointment. There's still room for growth, and I'm rooting her on for book two. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pages: 320 pages
Published: May 2021

One of my May reads was a new release snagged from Book of the Month. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is a mystery thriller that features protagonist, Hannah, who is about a year into her marriage with Owen while also trying to bridge the sometimes awkward step-parenting gap with his 16-year old daughter Bailey. On a seemingly normal day, Owen does not come home from work but instead leaves, separately, Bailey with a bag of cash and Hannah a note that seems to point to Bailey reading: Protect her. The bulk of the story is Hannah trying to figure out where her husband has absconded and why and also how to fulfill his request to protect Bailey. In a search for answers, both Hannah and Bailey find themselves traveling from the west coast to central Texas, and ultimately learning that they will have to close that awkward gap in order to survive - physically, relationally and emotionally.  

I found this story to be intriguing. The characters were well-written and the dialogue engaging enough to keep me invested as a reader. The plot was solid, albeit with a few holes, and the ending was fulfilling. Overall, it was fun read. 

Recommendation: I would recommend this read as an entertaining, driving choice ... just in time for your summer reading list.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pages: 320 pages
Published: August 2019 

Things You Save in a Fire is an adult fiction novel by Katherine Center. The protagonist, Cassie Hanwell, is a firefighter in Austin, Texas who gets relocated to a Boston firehouse after an unfortunate event. A promising female firefighter in progressive Austin, Cassie struggles to acclimate in her new role at the Boston firehouse, which is much more traditional. She starts at the same time as male rookie firefighter, who is the son of a firefighter, and surprisingly the two find out they have more in common than the job.

This book is not your typical romance novel. There is depth. Heavy issues like grief, mental illness, opioid addiction, and the ability to forgive are tackled. I think the author did an excellent job of touching on these tough issues while keeping the story entertaining. There were many well written passages that illustrated Center's talent as a writer.

I didn't really enjoy the romance aspect of the book. It seemed a little rushed and unrealistic to me, but I enjoyed the story just the same. My favorite themes were those of redemption and forgiveness.

Recommendation:  This was a heartfelt and moving story that I think anyone could appreciate. However, I think it might hold a special place in the hearts of us feminists.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 368 pages
Published: July 2019*

I was fortunate enough to be granted a digital copy of the most final proof of Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler. I read Calling Me Home by this author in 2013 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Home for Erring and Outcast Girls 10 times more! The book is mainly set in Arlington and Austin, Texas as well as Oklahoma. Full disclosure: Many of the scenes take place on or about the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) campus, which is my alma mater. I think this is why the book piqued my interest and resonated with me. 

This historical fiction novel is based on the actual Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls, established by Reverend James Toney and Maggie Mae Upchurch in 1903. Many of the real women whom the fictional characters are based on are buried in a cemetery on the grounds of UTA. The fictional story follows three strong female leads and their respective story lines that alternate with each chapter. In near present day, the reader first meets Cate who is a 30-something librarian at the university studying the history of the Home. Cate's story is told in present day in Arlington and flashbacks to her teenage years in Austin. Lizzie and Mattie's stories are also told at the turn of the century as residents of the Home. Over the course of the novel, we travel 30 years with Lizzie and Mattie. 

The overall theme of the book is forgiveness of self and recovery leading to personal discovery. I think the main characters in the book struggle with this as well as hesitance in letting other people get close. To be fair all of the major characters in the novel experienced some massive trauma that resulted in her respective emotional vulnerability. The author did an excellent job of illustrating these varied emotions through her descriptive language, driving tone, and exceptional prose. Some scenes made me smile while others made me cry and there was a character or two that made me angry. I really became invested in these characters, and they stuck with me long after I finished reading. 

My only critique of this story is the creative criticism of the church. I understand that this is the lens through which the author views things, and I respect it. However, it is an element that made me a little uncomfortable ... but that is what effective art does, right? It makes you dig deeper and question things, which is why reading and writing are so important to our societal growth. 

As a professional marketer, I know the greatest success is when you can drive a consumer to initiate or make a change in behavior. As a result of Kibler's beautifully told story, I have felt compelled to revisit my alma mater and seek out this hidden treasure that I'd never known until reading Home for Erring and Outcast Girls. 

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this book and hope to get a final, hard copy upon publication to include in my home library. I think my fellow Maverick alums would also appreciate this book. If you enjoy strong female protagonists who experience personal growth or the historical fiction genre, I would strongly recommend you pick up a copy of this book when it publishes this summer.

Until next time ... Read on!

*I received an advance reading copy (ARC) of Home for Erring and Outcast Girls from NetGalley. My copy was an uncorrected digital file. Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 127 pages
Published: September 2014

Breathe by Priscilla Shirer is the latest online Bible study program in which I participated with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past, I've reaped great benefits from 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz, Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst, Wait and See by Wendy Pope, Listen, Love, Repeat by Karen Ehman, and Seamless by Angie Smith. Prior to reading her book, I'd only heard of Ms. Shirer through her father, who is a paster in the Dallas/Fort Worth area - Tony Evans. The things I had heard about her were very positive, so I was quite excited to dig into this study. And I'm not going to lie, I was happy it was a short one since we are in the midst of the busy holiday season. 

The overall premise of Breathe is we are overly busy. We don't slow down and smell the roses. Shirer posits that God designed us and the world in such a way that we must take time to rest and remember - remember our purpose, remember to love, remember to spend time with Him. She calls this the #SabbathMargin - creating space for God to enter in. She further explains, after six days of creating, He saw that it was good and rested on the seventh day. In doing this, He illustrates the importance of us taking that same time. It may be difficult to carve out an entire Saturday or Sunday. But what if we took a few minutes each day to stop and meditate on His goodness? 

The book is written in a relatable and practical way for both women and men. There are several areas and pages to jot down notes of your own as well as from Shirer's video presentations that can be purchased via LifeWay. I wish there was a little more written content and less questions. Some of the questions tended to be repetitive, and some of them were not relevant to me. However, it was helpful to reflect and commit to some Sabbath practices by memorializing them in writing. 

My biggest takeaway from this book was that people who tend to hoard (things, time, etc.) live with a slave mentality, and "Slaves live from a position of deficiency. Free people live from a place of holy expectation." After completing this study, I have a renewed commitment to thinking, walking, and living in freedom. Rather than hold on to the temporary things of this world, I hope to hold on to things that contribute to my eternal life. I will not always be perfect, but the goal is to be better. And I hope God blesses my progress (and yours too!). 

Recommendation: Priscilla Shirer is a powerful writer and speaker. This short book is packed with motivational messages, and it's the perfect antidote this time of year when we all tend to be more busy than usual. 

The next Proverbs 31 Study is Lysa Terkeurst's It's Not Supposed to be this Way. Sign up for free on the P31 website. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Length: 341 pages
Published: May 2018

After reading journalist John Carreyrou's investigative book, Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, I do believe truth can be stranger than fiction. How in the world did such a young lady fool so many tenured business people and politicians? This book is an in-depth look at Elizabeth Holmes and her startup, Theranos. The genesis of the book was derived from Carreyrou's October 2015 Wall Street Journal report. 

Simply put this book is investigative journalism at its finest. 

I think the prevailing theme in this book is that we, as a society, have to get back to the facts. The lies and deception have to stop. We are not better off having been persuaded to one person (or group's) way of thinking. Rather, the truth shall set us free. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the way Carreyrou presented this fact-based story. He was very detailed, explaining complex science and medical processes in a way that made it easy for this liberal arts major to understand. Having said that, some of his format caused confusion for me. The way that he interchanged the identification of key players by using their first names and last names made it difficult to follow because there were a lot of players involved. Also, I found the change of perspective midway through the book troublesome. He told the first part of the story in third person, and then when his role was introduced, he abruptly changed to first person. 

Googling "Elizabeth Holmes" will generate a plethora of articles, videos, and photos. Check out the free Way Back Machine to get some insight to the now defunct Theraonos website. I've watched some online videos, and I can certainly see the effectiveness of her persuasive communication skills. She doesn't offer up a whole lot of science, but she uses her words very well. It is easy to see how her charisma and charm won over so many people (especially older men who were ridiculously memorized by her). 

The saddest thing about this whole story is that Holmes had a good idea. Despite knowing the outcome, I found myself pulling for her technology to work. What if she wouldn't have gotten in her own way and succeeded? What if she had listened to the many voices of reason and developed a societal-changing product? She not only robbed her investors, partners, and customers but also society as a whole because tunnel vision and greed resulted in Theranos' demise. Instead, the only thing Holmes succeeded in was proving the old adage true - If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Recommendation: If you want to learn more about this fascinating true story, please check out Bad Blood. This book offers so much more than what you can glean online. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

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Karma's A Killer by Tracy Weber

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 9:19:00
Narrator: Anne James
Published: March 2018

Karma's a Killer by Tracy Weber is the third in a series of cozy mysteries that features Kate Davidson, a yoga instructor, and her faithful canine companion, Bella. While this book is the third in the series, it stands alone and can be read independent of the other books in the Downward Dog Mystery series. The story centers around the murder of an animal rights activist, Raven, and the murder suspect, Dharma, who happens to be Kate's estranged mother. As a result of these tumultuous events, Kate finds herself in the midst of an informal investigation and race to find out the truth about her mother. 

I know the old saying is you can't judge a book by its cover, but this cover art was just so fun and piqued my interest. Once I started listening, the author wasted no time getting right to the action, thus engaging me as a reader. Weber's writing style is certainly suited for audio reading/listening. You can really see what she is describing. James, the narrator, also did a good job acting out the character's voices, making it easy for the reader to follow the plot. Overall, I found the story to be fast-moving with enough mystery elements and captivating dialogue to keep the reader following along. I also appreciated the strong portrayals of women in this story, specifically that of the protagonist and her best friend, Rene. 

I have very few critiques. At the beginning, I found the audio to be a little muffled and not as clear as some other audiobooks I've listened to; however, over time it got better and there was more clarity. I also could have done without Kate's seemingly obsession with weight. I would classify this book as chick lit, and I think the focus on women's physical appearance was a bit problematic. 

Recommendation: I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in cozies, mysteries, or just a good book to enjoy over a relaxing weekend. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Thanks to Midnight Ink and Audiobookworm Promotions for an Audible.com copy of Karma's a Killer by Tracy Weber. Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Old Buildings in North Texas by Jen Waldo

Genre: Literary Fiction / Dramedy

Publisher: Arcadia Books

Date of Publication: April 1, 2018

Pages: 213

Synopsis | My Review | Buy Now | About the Author | Giveaway | More Blogs

After rehab, Olivia, a 32-year-old cocaine addict, is required to move back in with her mother and pregnant sister. Having left a promising career in journalism in New York, she’s now working as a sales assistant for a family friend in her home town in North Texas. 

Under pressure from her court-mandated counselor – an old high school friend - to take up a hobby, Olivia decides on "urbexing." Soon she’s breaking into derelict homes, ex-prisons, and old drive-ins across North Texas, and it’s not long before she’s looting state property and making money off the possessions, fixtures, and fittings that have been left behind.

Old Buildings in North Texas is about a modern woman’s search for personal equilibrium and wild adventure -- the attempt to find stability in existence without losing sight of what makes life worth living. Jen Waldo’s style modulates effortlessly from domestic nuance to taut adventure, tackling social and moral transgressions with incisive observation and vivid humor.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars 

Old Buildings in North Texas is a comedic drama (aka dramedy) set in the fictional town of Caprock, Texas written by native Texan, Jen Waldo, and centers around Olivia who is recovering from a cocaine addiction and heart attack. This results in the 32-year old moving back home with her mother who has legal custody of Olivia as she attempts to put her broken life back together. Adding to this court-appointed relationship and living arrangement, is Olivia's 20-year old sister, who is in a predicament of her own, Olivia's former high school friend who is now her therapist, and Zachary, who is her new boss and close family friend. 

In an effort to find a new hobby (you know, besides getting high on illegal drugs), Olivia turns to urban exploration (aka urbexing) where one gains entry into abandon buildings and snoops around. As she embarks on this hobby, she toes the line of legal versus illegal and learns more about herself and her loved ones in the process. The reader is treated to a fast-paced story that doesn't necessarily provide a detailed conclusion but does result in a satisfying ending. 

The book is just over 200 pages with short chapters that are titled in such a way that help push the plot forward. (As an aside, I think a lot of authors miss opportunities to further connect with their readers when they simply number their chapters. I really appreciated the descriptors in this book.) Due to personal obligations, I had to read this book in four days, but I quickly finished it in a day and half. The story flowed well, and the content kept me interested until the very end. 

Jen Waldo is an excellent writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciated her vivid prose. This small blurb on page 17 where Olivia describes her first urban exploration experience grabbed me right from the beginning: 

The first thing I notice is the silence. And the stillness. I don't know that I've ever been in a place so suspended. For several seconds I remain unmoving as I inhale the passage of time. 

In reading the synopsis, one might believe the book is about urbexing, but it's more a story about family, relationships, and identity. This might cause some readers to feel misled, but I found it refreshing. I do wish there would have been a little more diversity among the cast of characters. And as a Christian, I didn't mind the Biblical scripture that was included in Olivia's meditation time; however, it seemed to be a little incongruent with her personality. Olivia wasn't a very likable character, and I don't think someone who was unsure about her belief in God would have been so vigorous about her study and meditation of Him. Having said that, I also found Olivia to be an equally relatable, yet flawed character. 

Recommendation: This book is laugh-out-loud funny with touching moments interspersed. I would recommend this to anyone who would like to read a fast, funny book set in the heart of north Texas. So, if you're looking for some good fiction to curl up with this fall, check out Ms. Waldo's excellent book ... or enter the giveaway below to win a copy! 

I received a complimentary signed paperback copy of Old Buildings in North Texas from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review. Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Giveaway below

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“A lot of Jen Waldo’s debut novel takes place out on the porch of Olivia’s mother’s house. […] With its casual, confidential tone, Old Buildings in North Texas puts the reader in one of those porch chairs, reclining on a warm evening with a cool drink.” ~The Skinny

“Old Buildings in North Texas is an amusingly written and well worked book” ~Trip Fiction

“This novel is an absolute blast. There are serious moments of course, but Jen Waldo looks for the comedy in everything to create a memorable scenario that reminded me very much of the style of Six Feet Under.” ~Shiny New Books

Jen Waldo lived in seven countries over a thirty-year period and has now settled, along with her husband, in Marble Falls, Texas. She first started writing over twenty years ago when, while living in Cairo, she had difficulty locating reading material and realized she’d have to make her own fun. She has since earned an MFA and written a number of novels. Her work has been published in The European and was shortlisted in a competition by Traveler magazine. Old Buildings in North Texas and Why Stuff Matters have been published in the UK by Arcadia Books. Jen’s fiction is set in Northwest Texas and she’s grateful to her hometown of Amarillo for providing colorful characters and a background of relentless whistling wind.

Connect with Jen: Website | Twitter | Goodreads Author Page | Amazon Author Page

Three Fabulous Prizes!!: 
First Prize: Signed Copy of OBiNT + $10 Amazon Gift Card
Second Prize: Signed Copy of OBiNT + $5 Amazon Gift Card
Third Prize: eBook Copy of OBiNT 
Oct. 2-11, 2018
(U.S. ONLY)

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